Sialkot mounted a strong fightback on the second day of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025–26 final, reaching 235 for six in their first innings at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, trailing Karachi Blues by 105 runs at stumps.
Earlier in the day, Karachi Blues resumed on 285 for six and were bowled out for 340 in 81.2 overs.
Usman Khan, who began the day unbeaten on 80, added just two more runs before falling for 82 off 115 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six.
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While Kashif Bhatti and Mohammad Umar chipped in with 13 and 16 respectively.
Saqib Khan provided quick runs down the order, scoring a brisk 33 off 26 balls, including three fours and a six.
For Sialkot, Mohammad Ali bowled superbly to take four wickets for 79 runs, while Hasan Ali and Mohammad Hasnain picked up two wickets apiece.
Usama Mir also claimed two scalps, finishing with figures of 2/55.
In reply, Sialkot endured a shaky start, losing Azan Awais for 2 and Muhammad Hurraira for 9 inside the first five overs.
READ: Usman Khan, Abdullah Fazal propel Karachi Blues to solid start in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final
Abdullah Shafique and Abdul Rehman tried to rebuild but fell for 32 and 14 respectively.
At 73 for four, Sialkot were under pressure, but Mohsin Riaz played a counter-attacking innings of 71 from 85 balls, striking 11 fours and a six.
He added 95 valuable runs with Hamza Nazar for the fifth wicket.
Mohsin’s dismissal late in the session brought Karachi Blues back into the contest, but Hamza Nazar held firm with a patient 62 not out off 116 balls, hitting eight boundaries.
He was joined by Hasan Ali, who added an aggressive unbeaten 29 from 27 deliveries to keep Sialkot’s hopes alive.
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For Karachi Blues, Mohammad Umar and Saqib Khan claimed two wickets each, while Mushtaq Ahmed took one.
Sialkot will resume day three on 235 for six, with Hamza Nazar and Hasan Ali at the crease as they look to narrow the first-innings deficit.
